In the coming months, the Earth and its inhabitants can expect a rise in solar activity linked to the peak of the Sun’s magnetic cycle. This increase will bring solar storms and the emergence of numerous solar spots. Solar spots are dark areas on the star’s surface, some of which can be larger than Earth and visible to the naked eye.
The formation of solar spots is a result of intricate processes within the Sun. Convection creates hot plasma that rises to the surface, cools, and descends back. This movement generates powerful magnetic fields, leading to the creation of magnetic “traps” for plasma, resulting in the appearance of dark spots.
Solar spot activity follows a cyclical pattern, reaching a peak approximately every 11 years. Currently, the Sun is nearing its maximum, expected at the end of 2024 or early 2025. During this period, the number of solar spots and intensity of solar storms will significantly rise, potentially impacting Earth with polar auroras and disturbances to satellites and power grids.
While most solar spots are too small to be seen without special equipment, some can exceed 40,000 kilometers in diameter, making them visible from Earth. Safe observation of these spots requires protective equipment like eclipse glasses or darkening glass rated at 14 or higher.
To observe solar spots, telescopes designed for viewing the Sun are recommended. Updates on the presence of significant solar spots can be found on resources like spaceweather.com or the NASA Solar Dynamic Observatory website.
In the upcoming months and beyond the solar maximum, the appearance of new massive solar spots may offer one of the largest objects observable in the solar system without the need for special devices.